WISP: a wireless information security portal

Abstract:

Wireless networking is a fairly new technology that is important in information technology (IT).
Hotels, Airports, Coffee shops, and homes are all installing wireless networks at a record pace,
making wireless networks the best choice for consumers. This popularity of wireless networks is
because of the affordability of wireless networks devices, and the easy installation [11].
In spite of the popularity of the wireless networks, one factor that has prevented them from being
even more widespread can be summed up in a single word: security. It comes as no surprise
that these two – wireless and security – converge to create one of the most important topics in
the IT industry today [11].
Wireless networks by nature bring about new challenges unique to its environment. One example
of these new challenges is: “Signal overflow beyond physical walls”, and with these kinds of new
challenges unique to wireless networks, we have new security risks. Hence wireless networks
lend themselves to a host of attack possibilities and risks. That is because wireless networks
provide a convenient network access point for an attacker, potentially beyond the physical
security controls of the organization [7].
Therefore it is challenging for managers to introduce wireless networks and properly manage the
security of wireless networks, Security problems of wireless networks are the main reason for
wireless networks not being rolled out optimally [1].
In this dissertation, we aim to present to both specialist and non–specialists in the IT industry the
information needed to protect a wireless network. We will first identify and discuss the different
security requirements of wireless networks. After that we shall examine the technology that helps
make wireless networks secure, and describe the type of attacks against wireless networks and
defense techniques to secure wireless networks.
The research will concentrate on wireless LANs (Local Area Networks), and leading wireless LAN
protocols and standards. The result of the research will be used to create WISP (A Wireless
Information Security Portal). WISP will be a tool to support the management of a secure wireless
network, and help assure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the information systems
in a wireless network environment.